NC leaders concerned about slow progress in expanding gambling at Indian casino

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s top legislative leaders
say they’re concerned about what they call the slow pace of
negotiations to let the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians expand
gambling at its casino, but are ready to consider needed changes to
state law when there’s a deal.

Republican House Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate leader Phil
Berger said in a letter dated late last week to tribal officials
that Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue alone must lead the state’s
negotiations over letting the tribe offer games with human dealers.

Perdue and legislative leaders have questioned an exclusive
marketing agreement for the tribe in exchange for the state getting
a cut of profits from new games.

The tribe’s principal chief has said he’s confident a deal will
be ready when lawmakers reconvene in two weeks.